By Jacob Mathias

Wine enthusiasts will soon have a new place to taste.

The currently-unnamed wine bar, owned by Christopher Hertel of Hertel Tax and Accounting, is expected to open for business around mid-September. Located at 1221 Second St., the bar will inhabit the former location of UWSP’s Cru office.

“The main point is to be able to sit down, have some drinks, have a good time and conversate,” said Hertel. “You can meet new people and remember them.”

The bar will focus on wines, cognacs and Scotch whiskeys, but will also serve mixed drinks and bottled beer. Hertel plans on starting with a smaller, popular selection of beverages and then expand.

“I want it be such a large array of different brands and flavors and types that it’ll be just mind-boggling” said Hertel.

Hertel began his plans after purchasing Indulgence Wine Bar from owner Tom Deppiesse, who has since moved out of the area. He may keep the Indulgence name, he said, but nothing set in stone.

“Hopefully I just walk in there, look at it and have some sort of revelation saying, ‘This is the name,'” said Hertel.

He said he planned on opening the bar quickly after purchase, then developing it in stages. But after hearing some public excitement for the new establishment, he decided to take it a step further. New floors, antique-look lighting and a small kitchen are in the works.

A small dance floor is also planned, along with live music by small acoustic bands.

“It wasn’t really planned,” said Hertel. “This just kind of fell in my lap.”

The bar’s location on the Mathias Mitchell Public Square is intentional — Hertel wanted to bring something new to that part of downtown.

Hertel hopes to soon take advantage of the kitchen at the rear of the bar. He plans on serving cheeses, desserts and appetizers that pair well with his drinks.

“I like food and I like to drink with food, so I want it in there,” he said.

The bar will be open daily at 11 AM.